NIPSA speaks out against Council Pay Freeze

The Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) has condemned a pay freeze for council workers this year. The union, which is the largest public sector union in the Province is concerned about the lack of negotiation on the proposed 2.5% increase which was table by unions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in December last year.  

Those who will affected by the freeze include staff of the 26 Councils, employees of the Housing Executive and Housing Associations, those who work in libraries and non-teaching staff in school. Workers in voluntary and community associations will also be hit.

Nipsa spokesman Bumper Graham highlighted the fact that many of those affected were already on low pay, and said that they would ballot members on whether to take industrial action.

"With inflation set to go over 4% and members already on the lowest pay, we cannot accept this massive real pay cut," he said.

He added "This is not about affordability, it's about attacking vulnerable public sector workers and making them pay for economic mismanagement."

The Local Government Association said the freeze was aimed at protecting front-line services and helping to minimise job losses.

Local Government Employers managing director Jan Parkinson said: "The decision not to offer employees an increase in basic pay this year has not been taken lightly. Councils are facing a perfect storm of falling revenues and increasing demand for services.

"Up and down the country, councils have already been forced to cut thousands of jobs to balance the books. Town halls have been swept by the cold winds of recession for more than a year and that means difficult choices have to be made."